Ottery St Mary's Tar Barrels returns this Bonfire Night
Lit barrels are carried through the town
A centuries-old Bonfire Night tradition, in which people run with lit barrels of tar on their backs, is taking place again in Ottery St Mary.
The Ottery Tar Barrels is held on 5th November each year, unless that date falls on a Sunday.
The crowd cheers on the runners, who are known as Barrel Rollers, as they carry the barrels through the town.
The event is known around the world and attracts up to 15,000 visitors.
Where the tradition comes from
The tradition is thought to have started in the 17th century.
It is believed to be a way of celebrating the defeat of the Gunpowder Plotters, but it may also have pagan roots.
Who can take part
To be a Barrel Roller, you have to be born in Ottery St Mary or own a business in the town.
There is a smaller barrel for children.
It is common for three generations of Ottregians, as people from Ottery are known, to be running with the barrels on the same night.
What happens on the night
Barrels are carried throughout the town.
The rollers and the crowd move between pubs and the sites of old pubs.
The evening finishes in the town square with the largest barrel, known as the Midnight Barrel.
Roads in the town are closed from about 4pm.
Buses and coaches are laid on to bring people into the town and take them back afterwards.
Online attention
YouTuber Max Klymenko, who has more than two million subscribers, once visited the event and shared a video from it on his channel.
He branded it the 'most dangerous event in the UK'.
Fundraising for the event takes place throughout the year.
Merchandise is available locally or by mail order.